Courts / Dublin / Report

Cyclist left with severe brain damage after collision with car driving with no lights on

Date
2017-04-07

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Robert Faherty, 63, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm after his car collided with cyclist Grainne Duncan on February 4, 2015, on Malahide Road. Faherty was driving without lights on; speed and alcohol were not factors. Duncan, wearing a high‑visibility jacket, helmet and bike light, was cycling left‑hand side and turning right at a junction when the collision occurred. She remained in a coma for two months, later regaining awareness but suffering severe brain damage that left her unable to speak, walk or hear, and requiring depression treatment. Faherty's daughter expressed deep remorse. The case involves pending civil proceedings and medical costs estimated at €540,000. Judge Pauline Codd reserved judgment until May 5, citing Faherty's compliance, remorse and poor health, and requested no jail sentence. The charge carries a maximum of two years imprisonment.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Cyclist left with severe brain damage after collision with car driving with no lights on. Charges or matters: one count of careless driving causing serious harm after his car collided with Grainne Duncan on February 4th, 2015, on the Malahide Road, Dublin at 6:45 pm. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

February 4th, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
May 5th Hearing Or Sentence
2017-04-07 Publication

Why: Gda Murphy said that the main contributing factor to the accident was that Ms Duncan was unable to see Mr Faherty's car because he did not have his lights on. CNI source report

Case subjects

Robert Faherty

Convicted Person

Charges: one count of careless driving causing serious harm after his car collided with Grainne Duncan on February 4th, 2015, on the Malahide Road, Dublin at 6:45 pm (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He will be sentenced later.